A compact, user-friendly reference book addressing many of the kinds of questions about grammar that regularly confront teachers, both novice and experienced, when planning or executing their lessons. A glance at any web-site, discussion forum or social network shared by teachers of English suggests that teachers are constantly asking each other questions related to pedagogical grammar. These may simply be questions about terminology or categorisation ('What's a clause?'; 'Is like a preposition?'), or they may seek to unravel subtle grammatical distinctions ('What's the difference between for and since?) or explain persistent learner errors ('Why in bed and not in the bed?'). This book is designed to fulfil this basic, everyday need - as well as being a book that can be read for interest, and even pleasure, in its own right.

A compact, user-friendly book authored by David Crystal which draws on his extensive experience and knowledge of the English language. David Crystal regularly receives questions about usage from all over the English-teaching world. In this book he gives his answers to fifty of the topics that are often raised, ranging from general enquiries about the language as a whole to very specific points of grammar, pronunciation, orthography, vocabulary, idiom, and style.

This easy-to-read book groups methods according to what they have in common, even if separated in time. At the same time, it rehabilitates some lost or forgotten methods, with a view to challenging current orthodoxies, especially with regard to such topics as translation, rote learning, authenticity, and communication. In doing this it aims to unpack, not just the history of methods, but the beliefs that underpin them and the benefits that still might possibly accrue from experimenting with them. Through its inclusion of interesting characters, intriguing anecdotes, and often bizarre techniques, the material is absorbing and engaging.

Introduces the major elements of semantics in a simple, step-by-step fashion. Sections of explanation and examples are followed by practice exercises with answers and comment provided.

This practical book provides everyone who learns or teaches grammar with the necessary skills in a clear step-by-step process, suitable for all levels of learning.